Aaron Judge: A Season of Greatness Unfolding in Pinstripes
In the annals of Major League Baseball, few players manage to stand out as Aaron Judge has in 2023. The captain of the New York Yankees is not merely leading his team; he is putting together one of the most impressive individual seasons in baseball history. Judge’s performance this year encapsulates everything from power hitting to clutch moments, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s premier talents.
As of August 26, Judge boasts a staggering .333/.465/.736 batting line, complemented by 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. These numbers are not just impressive—they're league-leading. Judge is at the top in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR), showcasing his dominance across multiple facets of the game.
“I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone,” remarked Yankees manager Aaron Boone, capturing the awe that Judge's peers and managers feel when witnessing his performance on the field.
With 31 games remaining in the season, Judge is projected to achieve remarkable milestones. He is on track to hit 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases, placing him among an elite cadre of players. Historically, only 15 players have ever recorded 100 extra-base hits in a season, and just 29 have reached 400 total bases. Achieving both in a single season has been accomplished only 13 times, underlining the exclusivity of Judge's current run.
Judge's hot streak has been nothing short of phenomenal. He has homered seven times in his last six games and 19 times in his last 36 games. This surge puts him on pace for 63 home runs by the end of the season, surpassing his rookie record of 52 home runs set in 2017 and edging close to his monumental 62 home runs from the 2022 season.
Yet, it’s not merely the home run numbers that set Judge apart. His overall contributions reflect a player committed to being a complete hitter. In at-bats that don’t culminate in home runs, Judge maintains a .250 batting average and a .413 on-base percentage. These statistics illustrate a player who consistently contributes, whether swinging for the fences or finding ways to get on base.
Judge’s journey this season has had its challenges. By April 23, his batting line was a concerning .174/.308/.337. However, the turnaround has been remarkable. In the 106 games since April 23, Judge’s OPS has jumped to an astonishing 1.328. This recovery speaks volumes about his resilience and ability to adjust mid-season.
There’s also been a significant shift in Judge’s strikeout rate. In 2023, he is striking out in 23.4% of his plate appearances, almost on par with the MLB average of 22.4%. For context, Judge’s strikeout rate was 30.7% in 2017 and 25.1% in 2022, highlighting a notable improvement in his plate discipline and contact abilities.
His performance this season is drawing comparisons to some of the greatest in the sport. Rogers Hornsby’s 1924 season, with a 222 OPS+, remains a benchmark for right-handed hitters. Jimmie Foxx and Hornsby are the only right-handers to boast two seasons with an OPS+ over 200—a rarefied company that Judge, with a 210 OPS+ in 2022, is close to joining again this year.
In terms of strategic play, Judge has had the platoon advantage in just 26% of his plate appearances. Despite this, his remarkable productivity underscores his adaptability and skill in facing a variety of pitching configurations.
Reflecting on his approach and performance, Judge says, “I got to this point trying to be a good hitter and a good teammate, so that’s what I’m going to try to do. I feel like if I can do that, we can look up at the end of the year, and I think the numbers will be where they’re supposed to be.”
Aaron Judge’s 2023 season is not simply about the numbers—though they are extraordinary. It’s a testament to dedication, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As he continues to defy expectations and rewrite the record books, fans and analysts alike are left in awe of a true baseball titan in his prime.